Action: The Pursuit Of Acting Excellence

To sign up for Audition Psych 101, go to www.leigh-foster.com/101.Actor Michael Kostroff is best known for playing the role of Maurice Levy on the hugely popular show; The Wire. He's also had recurring or series regular roles on shows like The Deuce, Law and Order, The Good Wife, Luke Cage, The Blacklist, Damages, Billions, and the list goes on and on…enjoy this episode. Michael's renowned acting workshop Audition Psych 101 is finally becoming an online course. Starting this Sunday January 9th, 2022, registration will be open for 5 days only, during which time the price will be discounted, bonuses given out, and access to "Club 101" granted (monthly live meetings with Michael himself). Michael's 3 part free video series: Audition myths, tough truths, and logic will be released today, Wednesday, and Friday. To watch these and to sign up for Audition Psych 101, go to www.leigh-foster.com/101.

Here is my exact step-by-step process for auditioning for and booking TV roles. Enjoy. I have put thousands of hours of work into this podcast over the past 5 years, for free. If you have ever gotten anything out of it..any beneficial piece of advice or useful technique. If I have saved you any time, helped quell your audition nerves, or simply made you a better actor. Then I ask YOU to help ME now.. "Mistakes Were Made, But Not By Me" is perhaps the most important audiobook I have ever listened to. With the world in the state that it's in, there is likely no better way to spend your time than to learn to understand how and why humans do what they do. This book will change the way you see the world. Thank me later. Send me Facebook or instagram message that says "I dowloaded it" so I know that I've done some good in the world. Thank you in advance. -Leigh Get it for free by clicking on this link: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

Chris has done a TON of commercial, TV and VO work. TV appearances include recurring roles on For All Mankind, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss, as well as roles on House Of Cards, Grey's Anatomy, Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "Acting In Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here seven years ago. He also has a new book out called The Voice Over Startup Guide. www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast www.chrisagos.com

Michael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. In this episode he answers a number of listener questions with topics like rejection, auditioning, starting a career at 40, etc. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. To sign up for Michael's classes go to: http://www.auditionpsych101.com & http://www.theworkingactorgroup.com

Welker White is an actor with deep roots in theatre, film, and television. Most recently Welker completed shooting her third film with Martin Scorsese, The Irishman, opposite Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. On stage Welker has performed on and off-Broadway as well as regionally, originating roles by playwrights Lisa Kron, John Patrick Shanley, Craig Lucas, Mac Wellman, David Ives, Keith Reddin, and many others. Welker holds an MFA in Directing from Brooklyn College, where she teaches in the MFA Acting program. Damian Young is a career actor with over 100 credited film and television appearances. His work spans the films of Hal Hartley and cult favorite Nickelodeon's Pete and Pete, to roles in films such as Birdman, Catfight, Wonderstruck, and Ocean's 8. His recent work includes a series regular on HBO’s The Comeback, and recurring roles on House of Cards, Ozark, Homeland, and The Good Wife. Damian has worked extensively in theatre, both on and off-Broadway, as well as regionally. Together, through a unique, process-oriented approach to the form, they provide actors with concrete tools to unlock authentic behavior that reads onscreen. To learn more visit their website https://www.themovingframe.com Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free.

You want my advice? Here you go. I give my thoughts on building a career in acting in this interview from The Tony Rossi Show. Enjoy. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. Become a member like Leigh. Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ Follow Leigh on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighfoster123/ Follow Tony on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tony.rossi/

Join Leigh as he visits with actor/performer Justin Guarini. Justin was a finalist in the first season of American Idol in 2002, which served to jump start his performance career. He has since appeared on screen and stage, including in Broadway productions of ‘American Idiot,’ ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and ‘Wicked.’ He’s also hosted many shows like ‘Idol Wrap’ and has had some fun playing the hilarious Lil’ Sweet in commercials for Diet Dr. Pepper. Justin talks about the importance of having the right mindset and how it can affect every part of your experience in the industry. He also breaks down some external and internal challenges of auditioning and why you should never lie (ever), no matter the kind of day you’re having. In addition, Justin and Leigh discuss the necessity of approaching an audition as the opportunity to bring your own unique perspectives and experiences to a role, rather than thinking it’s some kind of competition. Finally, Justin shares his views on how proper self-care can keep you motivated and sane while navigating the industry and offers one incredible piece of advice for actors who are just starting out. Get access to more performing arts jobs than any other platform by going to www.backstage.com/action to get 30 days free. Become a member like Leigh. http://www.justinguarini.com Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ Follow Leigh on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighfoster123/

In this episode Leigh visits with actress/producer Elysia Rotaru. Elysia is a Vancouver native who recently relocated to Los Angeles. She has many credits under her belt, including ‘Smallville,’ ‘Supernatural,’ a recurring role on ‘Arrow,’ and many others. She’s also a highly sought-after voiceover talent, having used her talents on hundreds of projects, including commercials, animation, and video games. Elysia discusses the challenges (and joys) of auditioning, along with the transition from theatre school to film. She also talks about how she launched her acting career, her experiences with different sets and casting rooms, and how much she enjoys voiceover and motion capture work. In addition, she gives a dynamite piece of advice for anyone who wants to become a full-time actor. Elysia Rotaru links: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3011272/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/elysiarotaru?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/elysiarotaru/?hl=en WEBSITE: http://elysiarotaru.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheElysia09

"You know how many actors come in here and say 'I just got this last night or I got it two days ago'?...And you know what I say? 'So did the person that's going to fuckin' book it' Jonathan Stanley is the owner of Hot Shots Self Taping in LA. Over the years he has seen thousands and thousands of auditions. On this episode he comes on to explain what that's taught him. As an actor Jonathan has landed roles on projects such as 'Timeless,' 'Batman v Superman,' 'Lucifer,' 'The Bold and the Beautiful', 'Agents of Shield,' 'Aquarius,' 'CSI Cyber,' 'The Last Ship,' 'Too Close To Home,' and many more. Currently, he plays Officer Lawrence Griffin on the Freeform TV series 'Good Trouble.' and is featured in the 2019 Sundance Award winning film 'The Infiltrators.' https://www.hotshotsselftaping.com

"It's arrogant to think you know why you didn't get a job" Brendan Taylor was born in North Vancouver, Canada. He completed high school with a bilingual diploma in English and French, he pursued post-secondary education at The University of British Columbia where he graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was fortunate to spend a year on exchange in Paris, France. He began working in Set Decoration on The Wicker Man (2005) starring Nicholas Cage. From that point on he worked on multiple features, series, TV movies, and short films shooting in Vancouver as a Set Dresser, Lead Dresser, and On-Set Dresser in the Set Decoration department. Armed with years of knowledge and experience behind the camera, Brendan decided to pursue his dream and return to acting in 2007, and consistently works in Film, TV, Commercials, and Theatre in Vancouver, Canada. Recent credits include The Magicians (SyFy), Bates Motel (A&E), Fargo (FX), Supernatural (The CW), and a recurring role on The Arrangement (E! Network).

On this episode I check in with my western correspondent in the field; Nelson Ritthaler. After 365 days of pursuing a career acting in LA he breaks down what's gone right, what's gone wrong and everything in between. Enjoy.

Alyshia Ochse is a Los Angeles-based actress and bestselling author. Just a few of her credits include recurring roles in "The Purge", "Ballers", "Life Sentence", "Satisfaction", "Days of Our Lives", "General Hospital", "Hart of Dixie", "True Detective", and more. She is the host of the podcast “That One Audition” which features conversations with your favorite on-screen storytellers and Hollywood influencers who reveal their most life-changing audition tales and the survival skills they’ve collected along the way. www.alyshiaochse.com

"The most important thing about booking all those shows is don't fucking DO anything...just don't fucking do anything!" On this episode TV, Film, Commercial, Stage and VO actor Jay Klaitz discusses how he approaches auditioning. I guarantee you'll learn something...I certainly did. Oh, and make sure you listen 'til the end ;) Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ instagram: @leighfoster123 twitter: @action_podcast

"You have to be savvy from the start" In this episode: Actor, and returning guest of the show, Michael Kostroff (The Wire, The Deuce, Damages, Billions, etc) and I discuss everything that DOESN'T have to do directly with the auditioning process. Join the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ instagram: @leighfoster123 twitter: @action_podcast Join Michael Kostroff's email list at: https://www.auditionpsych101.com

From effective "self-tape" auditions to who should seek representation in Atlanta, talent manager Laureen Muller comes on the show to discuss these topics as well as much, much more. http://rcmtalent.com

“As an actor, you’re only as good as your ideas.” In this episode Leigh visits with renowned acting coach Terry Knickerbocker. Terry is a graduate of the Experimental Theatre Wing at NYU, where he is still a member of the core faculty. He trained as an actor and a teacher with William Esper, and in 2015 he founded the Terry Knickerbocker Studio, a two-year Meisner conservatory in Brooklyn. Terry has coached actors including Sam Rockwell, Chris Messina, Boyd Holbrook, Natasha Lyonne, Leslie Bibb, Emmy Rossum, and many others on hundreds of films, television and theater projects. Join the discussion on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/ https://terryknickerbockerstudio.com https://action-podcast.com

Tony Howell is a digital strategist for Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Olivier award-winning artists. His work has been featured by Google, Squarespace, SAG-AFTRA, Actors' Equity, and more. Before becoming an entrepreneur, he was an actor for 20+ years, performing On-Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, and more. In addition to weekly free content and scholarships to his quarterly programs, Tony donates a percentage of profits to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and 100% of all the profits from his book, "Artists to Artist" to the ACLU. Learn more at TonyHowell.me.

On this episode my guest is Courtney Rioux. Courtney can be seen on NBC’s Chicago Med as Paramedic Courtney. Her voice can currently be heard on spots for Jimmy Dean, McDonalds Happy Meal, and Hershey’s. As a Clarity Coach she helps her clients shift from stuck and unhappy to empowered and joyful. Her fun and easy approach has been described as, "therapy without the therapy!" Courtney and I discuss goal setting and achieve, how she went from a co-star to being on nearly every episode of Chicago Med, and the importance of branding. You can find her at courtneyrioux.com and as Courtney Rioux on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Her preference is Instagram though.

Seth Barrish has been a professional acting coach and teacher for more than 30 years.  An award-winning actor, director, and Artistic Director, he has spent the last three decades focusing on techniques that maximize spontaneity and bring performances to life. He is the co-founder and co-artistic director of the Barrow Group: a new York based theater company and school.

Michael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. Here's his advice on auditioning for co-star roles. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast http://www.auditionpsych101.com https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff

On this episode my friend and fellow actor Nelson Ritthaler and I discuss an incredibly beneficial exercise for actors that we have been practicing. Enjoy. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

On this episode, actor Kevin L Johnson, who plays Sam Dermody on the hugely popular Netflix show Ozark. Enjoy. www.WeAudition.com (25% with code ACTION25) www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

Larry Moss is one of the most sought after acting coaches in the world today. He worked with Helen Hunt on As Good As It Gets, Tobey Maguire on Seabiscuit, Hillary Swank on Boy Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, Leonardo DiCaprio on The Aviator, The Departed, The Wolf of Wallstreet and many more. He studied with Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner. He has taught at Juilliard and The Circle in the Square in NYC. He has acted in numerous broadway productions, has directed for the stage and screen, is the founder of The Larry Moss Studio in Los Angeles, and is the author of The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor. Action Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893 To find out more about Larry Moss go to www.larrymoss.org The Intent to Live: https://www.amazon.com/Intent-Live-Achieving-Potential-Actor/dp/0553381202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512583592&sr=8-1&keywords=the+intent+to+live

Larry Moss is one of the most sought after acting coaches in the world today. He worked with Helen Hunt on As Good As It Gets, Tobey Maguire on Seabiscuit, Hillary Swank on Boy Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, Leonardo DiCaprio on The Aviator, The Departed, The Wolf of Wallstreet and many more. He studied with Stella Adler and Sanford Meisner. He has taught at Juilliard and The Circle in the Square in NYC. He has acted in numerous broadway productions, has directed for the stage and screen, is the founder of The Larry Moss Studio in Los Angeles, and is the author of The Intent to Live: Achieving Your True Potential as an Actor. Action Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893 To find out more about Larry Moss go to www.larrymoss.org The Intent to Live: https://www.amazon.com/Intent-Live-Achieving-Potential-Actor/dp/0553381202/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512583592&sr=8-1&keywords=the+intent+to+live

Michael Kostroff returns to discuss tips for auditioning and working in comedy for people who consider themselves "unfunny" For all information on Michael's upcoming workshops go to... http://www.auditionpsych101.com ALSO! Go meet Michael and get your signed copy of Audition Psych 101 Saturday, 12/2 6:30-8:00 pm The Book Cellar 4736-38 N. Lincoln Avenue Action Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2010870055857893/

This episode is an interview with a friend of mine about his experience attending a Summer Intensive, which is a condensed acting conservatiory experience where students are in class all day, 6 days, for 6 weeks. The school he attended did not sponsor this episode. This is an honest, unbiased view.

Holly Allen is a professional actor, acting teacher, and freelance ​casting director. She has seen exactly what works and what doesn't after ​directing thousands of auditions over the past ​18 years. To find out more about Holly go to http://www.hollyallenonline.com ​Find her on Facebook @HollyAllenActor for upcoming workshops, articles and updates.

http://www.hbo.com/movies/the-wizard-of-lies To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city.

This episode is a conversation between myself and Emily Jo Hayes, a very successful model and actress working in the Midwest, about the basics of commercial print or lifestyle modeling; a highly lucrative aspect of this industry we feel many actors neglect. To schedule a Skype appointment with me email leighfoster123@gmail.com To schedule a Skype appointment with Emily email emilyjohayes@gmail.com

Emily Fletcher's ten year Broadway acting career included roles in Chicago, The Producers & A Chorus Line. She is the founder of Ziva Meditation and zivaMIND, the world’s first online meditation training course. Emily has been featured in The New York Times, named top 100 "women in wellness to watch" and regarded as one of the leading experts in Vedic meditation. She has been invited to speak at Google, Viacom, and Harvard Business school to name a few. Since 2011 over 3,500 ppl have taken her courses, including Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award winners. Go to zivameditation.com to learn face to face with Emily if you live in LA or NY and zivamind.com to begin her 8 day program resulting in a meditation practice you can take with you for life.

Part 2: Michael Kostroff returns to answer listener questions. To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop coming to Chicago on 11/5/16 and 11/6/16 go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Don't forget to follow my ass on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast

Michael Kostroff returns to answer listener questions. To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop coming to Chicago on 11/5/16 and 11/6/16 go to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Don't forget to follow my ass on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast

To sign up for Michael's Audition Psych 101 workshop got to http://www.auditionpsych101.com and make sure to sign up for his email list so he can notify you when he's coming to your city. Thanks to everyone who ever listened to this show. Leigh Foster...out.

Chris has done a TON of commercial and TV work. TV appearances include recurring roles on Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss , as well as roles on Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "acting in Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here three years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Acting-Chicago-2013-Edition-Commercials/dp/0982886330 To Find out more about Chris or to sign up for his private coaching go to his website at www.chrisagos.com. For anyone interested, I highly suggest getting a copy of Chris's book "Acting in Chicago". Although the latest edition of the book was published in 2013, almost all of the information is still applicable.

Bill Oberst Jr. is an American stage, film and television actor known for his work in horror and cult films, his career includes projects in film, television and one-man-show theater performances. His role as the creepy 'Facebook Stalker' in the online interactive video film Take This Lollipop, brought him widespread attention after the project received multiple Webby Awards nominations, three awards at SXSW, and a 2012 Daytime Emmy Award.

Tehmina Sunny's film and TV credits include Argo, Children of Men, NCIS, CSI, Californication, Heroes, The Newsroom, The Following, and many more. http://tehminasunny.com/actress/About.html http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2040091/ https://twitter.com/Action_Podcast

Chris's TV appearances include recurring roles on Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and Boss , as well as roles on Sirens , Betrayal, Mob Doctor, and many more. His book "acting in Chicago" taught me everything I needed to know when I moved here three years ago. http://www.amazon.com/Acting-Chicago-2013-Edition-Commercials/dp/0982886330 To Find out more about Chris or to sign up for his private coaching go to his website at www.chrisagos.com. For anyone interested, I highly suggest getting a copy of Chris's book "Acting in Chicago". Although the latest edition of the book was published in 2013, almost all of the information is still applicable. I'd like give a huge thanks to Gio Castellano, Daryn Glass, Kara, and Greg Arrizo for leaving me reviews on iTunes last week.

Many of my listeners have asked for me to be interviewed for an episode, so I asked my friend, fellow actor, and psychotherapist Nelson Ritthaler to help me out. Here it is...

As an actor Scott has played roles in "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot", "Gone Girl", "Dallas Buyers Club" and many, many more.

Darren is a London born actor and entrepenuer who now lives in LA. He's known for the British hit "East Enders", the US cult show "True Blood". and now has a role in the series "Roots" premiering in May. Next time you're preparing for an audition I highly recommend you check out Darren's company WeRehearse at www.werehearse.com If you have a question you'd like Darren to answer on an upcoming episode, ask it on twitter "Action_Podcast" or call the podcast voicemail at (206) 424 9368. As always, if you like this podcast and haven't yet done it, please go to iTunes and give me a rating and review. I'm Leigh Foster, thanks for listening. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/action-pursuit-acting-excellence/id991452758?mt=2

Part 2 of my conversation with actor and audition specialist Michael Kostroff.

Michael Kostroff has been in approximately every TV show ever made. Here's his advice on auditioning. http://www.auditionpsych101.com https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff

How to lose the nerves and build unshakable confidence before every audition.

New York based Director that is most certainly headed to the top and the Winner of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's HBO documentary television series Project Greenlight, Jason mann. Project Greenlight focusing on a filmmaker with a budget of 3 million dollars being given the chance to direct their first feature film in Hollywood. You can watch Jason's film "The Leisure Class" on HBO. Say Hi to him on Twitter @JASON_MANN_ and on Facebook at Facebook.com/jasonmannofficial. If you like this podcast please go to iTunes and give me a rating and review. Thanks.

After being asked by many aspiring actors to recommend books that helped me when I was starting out I decided to make an episode on just that. All books mentioned can be found at www.leigh-foster.com/journal

On this episode, HBO's new "Vinyl" actor Jay Klaitz. Enjoy... Check out Jay's band at http://futurefolk.com https://twitter.com/Future_Folk https://www.facebook.com/futurefolkmusic/?fref=ts http://www.hbo.com/vinyl

On this episode, actor Justin Kucsulain. I met Justin on the set of Chicago PD, a role which he had booked from a self-taped audition (and which airs tomorrow night, january 20th on NBC). I later find out that he had booked multiple other roles in this same way, including a role on The Walking Dead and a recurring role my favorite Netflix show, Bloodline. I was fascinated and told him I needed to have him on my podcast. If you’d like to see a picture of Justin’s home-auditioning setup as well as links to purchase the materials for yourself click on the link below... Justin's Home-Auditioning Setup: www.leigh-foster.com/journal Five Minute Journal: https://fiveminutejournal.refersion.com/c/50971 Justin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinkucsulain Justin's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justin-Kucsulain-485361091521987/?fref=ts

This episode is part two of my conversation with Los Angeles based director Jordan Brady. Check out his spots here... http://jordanbrady.com/spots/ Five Minute Journal: https://fiveminutejournal.refersion.com/c/50971 Audible download: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

This episode is part one of my conversation with Los Angeles based director Jordan Brady. Check out his spots here... http://jordanbrady.com/spots/ Five Minute Journal: https://fiveminutejournal.refersion.com/c/50971 Audible download: www.audibletrial.com/actionpodcast

Nancy Bishop is an Emmy-nominated casting director and author of the groundbreaking book; Auditioning for Film and Television: Secrets from a Casting Director. With nearly one hundred major feature film and television credits such as The Bourne Identity, Mission Impossible, and Wanted, Nancy has cast hundreds of actors throughout her career.

Gunnar Todd Rohrbacher is widely known as LA's go-to sitcom coach, and is the founder of Actors Comedy Studio, the world’s only acting school dedicated solely to Acting for Sitcoms and Sitcom Audition Technique.